Generally speaking, a lens with more zoom is going to be inferior with regards to resolution and distortion. That is why most of the better quality lenses do not cover a wide range. The only thing "better" about an 18-200mm lens is that it is more convenient than two lenses covering the same focal range. If you really want to get the most out of the sensor, you would use a single focal length lens, also known as a prime lens. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8 G lenses would be examples of very high image quality lenses; they are both "classical" portrait lenses. A somewhat more versatile length but not quite as sharp would be the 35mm f/1.8 G.

If you want a better standard zoom than the 18-55mm, the Nikon 18-105mm, which is the kit ens for the D7100, would be my choice. Another good lens would be the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8; it is not as long, but it is a constant aperture lens.

i'm considering of buying the 18-55mm kit lens only, for now, along with 50mm f/1.8. will buy the 55-200 mm lens after a couple of months once i get comfortable with this one.18-105mm is getting slightly over my budget right now.

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